PT TOMORROW: AL WEST—The 3B crowd in TEX

Texas Rangers

Suddenly the 3B / utility spots look crowded in TEX going forward, and even the 3B-of-the-future may be a bit more uncertain. Andy Ibáñez (3B, TEX) had been a pleasant surprise in the second half of last year and was installed early as a place-holder for the arrival of heralded Josh Jung (3B, TEX), who subsequently went down with labrum surgery. We were skeptical early of Ibáñez, recently dispatched back to Triple-A after showing no offensive improvement vR and even struggling against LHP.

His immediate replacement was Josh Smith (3B, TEX), an advanced prospect in his own right who had posted an .804 OPS through 191 PA early in his first attempt at Triple-A—but whose minor league game log to date reads like a super-utility...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

Max Scherzer is among several AL East pitchers whose recent returns to the mound could have ripple effects on their team's rotation plans.
Mar 10 2026 3:05am
With a number of position battles still underway in the NL West, extra spring training reps for competing players may be the difference between a regular role in the show and a possible trip back to the minors.
Mar 7 2026 3:10am
It's time for the World Baseball Classic; who will see more playing time while players represent their countries in the tournament?
Mar 6 2026 3:05am
Sal Perez's absence for the WBC could mean it's Carter Jensen's time to shine in Royals camp. Plus, looks at WBC impacts on all AL Central rosters.
Mar 5 2026 3:10am
With players leaving camp to play in the WBC, who could gain some playing time increases in the AL West?
Mar 4 2026 3:10am

Tools